[spntop]

My friend is charged with simple assault in the state of Tennessee. She approached another woman (with whom she was upset) in a bar, poured a drink on her, then hit her twice in the face causing minor bleeding inside her lip. She was cited and released on scene with a scheduled booking date.
My friend intends to plead guilty and take responsibilty for her actions. This behavior is out of character for her. She is an honor student at the local community college, raises money for charities and works one full-time and one part-time job.
I am not defending her actions but want to present enough information to answer the question: While she could potentially recieve 11/29 and a fine, what kind of punishment can she actually expect from the court?

[aaron]

If she is charged with simple assault, the most common sentence for a first time offender is probation (plus fines, and possibly some form of community service). She may wish to consult a local lawyer to see if she can get any form of delayed disposition which would enable her to avoid a criminal record.